Not a monster-in-law

Every mother knows precisely the kind of man or woman who could be a perfect partner for her child. So, someone who shares the qualities of my husband Darshan (actor Darshan Jariwala) would be apt for my daughter Khushali too,” says actor Apara Mehta, who once again dons the avatar of a mother-in-law scouting for brides for her four sons in Hamari Saas Leela that will soon air on Colors.

“Darshan is traditional in his thinking and modern in his approach towards life,” says Apara. However, she adds that the man her 25-year-old daughter finally marries should be someone level-headed.

“It’s important that every couple has space to think alike on some issues and differently on others. Darshan and I agree on so many things, but there are moments of disagreement too. That contributes to the growth of individuals and the relationship together,” she says, adding that her daughter often asks whether she’ll really like her husband when she finally chooses a groom.

“Honestly, I don’t want to answer that question because I’ll be sad to share my daughter with someone, and yet, happy that she’s found her match. I’m sure I’ll make a cool mother-in-law, not a monster-in-law.”

Meanwhile, Apara will soon be seen searching for the most perfectly balanced dulhans for her on-screen sons. It’s said that in each of her bride-hunts, she encounters girls who’re highly unlike her personality in the show.

“Every saasu looks for traits similar to hers in her bahu-to-be. I do that in the show too, but with little drama and a lot of realistic humour. I let the differences in personalities and thought processes between my bahus and me remain. That’s what makes this saas-bahu soap different from others,” she points out.

Hamari Saas Leela, produced by Asit Modi, has just gone on floors. However, Apara has taken the day off today because she plans to spend Mother’s Day with her mother and daughter. “There are two mother-daughter pairs in my house. Khushali and I agree and share everything. My mother and I disagree a lot, but still share things with each other,” she says with a smile. “So, today if I had decided to work, I’d probably be banned from entering their rooms forever. And I would never want that.”